THERE’S a way to leave this year behind in every musical style. Every year around this time, people plan parties to usher out the previous 12 months. This year, they’ll run screaming for the exit. Gone is the classic “theme of the year”—which in the last decade has run from Y2K to Bond to Bollywood and which usually rises up to snatch the buzz and empty costume shops everywhere. Nope, in 2009, the idea is to get out however you can, while you can.
There’s a mishmash of galas happening around the South Bay, everything from black-and-white formal action all the way down to pajama parties—if you’re going looser than that, we don’t want to know about it. The clubs have DJs galore and VIP packages that could keep die-hard party people sequestered away in NYE bliss well into 2010.
And there’s live music to be had, too. The recession may have scared off a lot of the bigger names we’re used to seeing, but fear not, there are bands coming off the bench to cover all the musical bases.
For funk, look no further than East Palo Alto’s own Trikk Baby, a soaring squad flying recon missions for George Clinton’s One Nation Under a Groove. Psychedelic sludge meets reggae meets blaxploitation, and they often claim to be doing their next show in “yo mama’s bedroom.” Check with Mom before panicking. They play New Year’s Eve at the Caravan. For heavy metal, the Avalon has Montrose. Since guitarist Ronnie Montrose pretty much pioneered the sound that would come to define party metal in the form of Van Halen—Sammy Hagar was his first vocalist—there’s no doubt that the man who wrote “Bad Motor Scooter” and “Make It Last” won’t stop until the new year is officially rung in and the taste of 2009 has been rocked out of the audience’s mouth.
If this year can only be exorcised with the blues, Jake Mackey performs at J.J.’s Blues. The high-energy San Jose bluesman is no traditionalist, but just about every song in his repertoire is prime for dancing. Isis and her eight-piece band The Cold Truth will also bring blues and soul to Poor House Bistro.
Experimental turntablism has a New Year’s home at VooDoo Lounge, where the ’80s Babies will present DJ D!strakt, along with Grubber, Gyrex and B Boy Drift.
Folkies don’t get much love in prime party time, for the same reason that Dick Clark never had a hit show called Standin’ There With Folded Arms New Year’s! So those in the mood for something with a glockenspiel will have to get out a little earlier to Emy Reynolds’ 4pm show at Streetlight Records. Her songs sound like a cross between the Eels and the Moldy Peaches and they have hand claps. Reynolds and her band mate Piper Denney both grew up in Ojai, with the same piano teacher, and Denney used to drum on a set of pots and pans until she could save up for the real thing.
Classic rock gets us back to the dance floor, which Black Pearl will be overseeing at Hotel De Anza. Joe Scuncio, Jim Salata, Ritchie Pickett and San Jose Rocks founder Dan Orloff will play the hits. Another classic rock cover group, Vegas Nights, counts down at the Grand Dell Saloon in Campbell.
Just out of the South Bay, The Devil Makes Three returns to its native Santa Cruz with a show at the Catalyst. A musical cousin to San Jose’s Shitkickers, DMT plays cowpunk doused with lots of Old No. 7. Even San Francisco, though, has spurned the typical marquee-busting names for some relatively smaller shows: the jam-band contingent will have to make due with Further at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, former John Coltrane Quartet pianist McCoy Tyner holds down the jazz front at Yoshi’s in Oakland and the biggest hip-hop show of the night is the Roots at the Warfield.
Fun Finder
Agenda’s New Year’s Eve Explosion
Make a date with Agenda Lounge for a hot New Year’s Eve. Agenda is partnering with the San Jose Hilton to offer top-tier party packages, featuring a night’s stay for two. Packages range from basic party admission to hotel stay and a three-course dinner of your choice. All packages include party favors, a champagne toast and a complimentary breakfast buffet at 1am. In the club, DJ Brotha Reese spins old-school and hip-hop (lounge), while DJ Jimbo provides disco sounds and club hits (main level). Thu, Dec 31. $25 admission/dinner and hotel packages $109 and up. Agenda, 399 S. First St, San Jose, 408.287.3991.
Alex’s 49er Inn
Featuring a NYE blast with drink specials. Thu, Dec 31. Alex’s 49er Inn, 2214 Business Circle, San Jose, 408.279.9737.
Avalon
A heavy metal New Year’s Eve in the South Bay with Ronnie Montrose plus Voyeur and Terry Lauderdale, not to mention party favors, a balloon drop and breakfast buffet. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm. $35 in advance. Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expwy, Santa Clara, 408.241.0777.
B4Twelve Digital New Year’s
A hip New Year’s Eve with something for everyone and each room rocking different music, including hip-hop, electro, R&B and reggae. Specialized lighting and video projection will flood the dance floor as partygoers receive a special package of glow favors at the door. With J Biz-Prodigee, Temple Allstars, Howhigh-DownlowDJs and more. Semiformal dress code required. Thu, Dec 31, 10pm. B4Twelve, 412 Emerson St, Palo Alto.
The Bank
With a DJ and hors d’oeuvres. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. No cover. The Bank, 14421 Big Basin Way, Daratoga, 408.867.5155.
Black & White Bash at Pedrizzetti
Pedrizetti Winery hosts its fourth annual Black & White New Year’s Bash. The party features hors d’oeuvres, music from RoxZone, a buffet dinner and of course wine tasting. Party favors will also be distributed at the door and a champagne toast will take place at midnight. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm-12:30am. $50/$65. Pedrizzetti Winery, 1645 San Pedro Ave, Morgan Hill, 408.779.7389.
Blank NYE
Featuring Atomic with DJ Basura. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. $10. The Blank Club, 44 S. Almaden Ave, San Jose, 408.292.5265.
Blue Pheasant
DJ music for dancing, plus dinner, party favors and a bubbly toast. Thu, Dec 31. $65. Blue Pheasant, 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.255.3300.
Bogart’s
The club will be doing business as usual with free pool and drink specials. Thu, Dec 31. No cover. Bogart’s Lounge & Tech Pub, 1209 Wildwood Ave, Sunnyvale, 408.245.2800.
Boswell’s
Featuring live music with Liquid Courage and some champagne for toasting the old year and saluting the new. Thu, Dec 31. Boswell’s, 1875 S. Bascom Ave, Campbell, 408.371.4404.
Boulevard Tavern
A NYE party with a champagne toast for revelers. Thu, Dec 31. Boulevard Tavern, 15043 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, 408.358.0774.
Britannia Arms Almaden
A chocolate-covered, English-inspired New Year’s for San Jose residents. Get your English education with Britannia Arms’ special New Year’s dinner party. Reservations are required for dinner, which starts at 8pm. With live music by Groove Nugget. Thu, Dec 31. Britannia Arms Almaden, 5027 Almaden Expwy, San Jose, 408.266.0550.
Britannia Arms Downtown
For “The Champagne Shindig,” the Brit presents Kids With Beards (10pm), an all-night party with DJ G Beats, the Soul Child and Metrorock, plus a champagne toast and balloon drop. Dinner and appetizers available. Thu, Dec 31. No cover. Britannia Arms San Jose, 173 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose, 408.278.1400.
British Banker’s Club
For Spin N2 2010, the club promises “the biggest Arabic, Persian and International-themed event in the Bay Area.” Four rooms buzz with DJs Beehmix, Nile, Romeo, Malek, Arya and Ramin, plus a balloon drop, hookahs and dinner packages. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm-3am. $20 and up. British Bankers Club, 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 408.888.4663.
Brookdale Lodge
Starring funk supergroup Trulio Disgracias and Cupertino ska stalwarts Monkey, Brookdale promises a departure from the usual ball drop in 2010. Thu, Dec 31. Brookdale Inn and Spa, 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale, 831.338.1300.
Capers
Enjoy a special martini bar, fine wine and selections from bistro menu. Pair it with a band, a champagne toast and no cover charge and you’ve got a fine start to 2010. Thu, Dec 31. Capers, 1710 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, 408.374.5777.
Cardiff Lounge
After everyone else is done, come to the afterparty with DJs Rick Prestion, Spun, Jeno, E.B.E. and more. Fri, Jan 1, 6am. No cover. Cardiff, 260 E. Campell Ave, Campbell, 408.374.7477.
Caravan
Celebrating the New Year with Trikk Baby. Thu, Dec 31. Caravan, 98 Almaden Ave, San Jose, 408.995.6220.
Cardinal Lounge
A party with appetizer buffet, champagne toast and Bump City Band. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. $15. Cardinal Lounge, 3197 Meridian Ave, San Jose, 408.269.7891.
Catalyst
With The Devil Makes Three and the Stone Foxes. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm. $20/$23. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.423.1336.
Club Milano
New Year Countdown with Thuy Phuqnh, Helena Dgoc Hong and others. Thu, Dec 31. $35/$45. Club Milano, 394 S. Second St, San Jose.
Crow’s Nest
Rock & roll cover band Ronnie Dobbs and the Fuzz kick off at 9:30pm. The party will have balloons, noisemakers and favors. Thu, Dec 31, 9:30pm. Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, 831.476.4560.
Dive Bar
All the trimmings: party favors, champagne, dancing and more. Thu, Dec 31. No cover before 9pm; $10 after. Dive Bar, 78 E. Santa Clara St, San Jose, 408.288.5252.
Don Quixote’s
Aja Vu plays the music of Steely Dan and more. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. $25. Don Quixote’s Restaurant, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton, 831.603.2294.
Doubletree Hotel
The affair includes a dinner at Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops. Tickets only for $70 ($75 at door), includes champagne toast; Standard Room Package is $249 with overnight stay in standard guest room, champagne amenity and two tickets to the NYE party of your choice; Club Level Room Package is $319 with deluxe overnight stay in club level guest room, key-card access to the Club Floor Lounge, featuring evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, complimentary breakfast, and two tickets to the NYE party of your choice. Thu, Dec 31. Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose.
Fahrenheit Lounge
A New Year’s event featuring dinner and dancing starting at 8pm. Admission includes lots of perks, like an all-night open bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and food stations. With DJs Melvis, Marry Mayhem and more. At the stroke of midnight, watch the ball drop on seven plasma screens, and toast 2010 with a balloon drop and a complimentary glass of champagne. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm. Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge, 99 E. San Fernando St, San Jose, 408.998.9998.
Fairmont Hotel
The lobby will be decked out in festive trimmings, music by Little Sister, midnight dropping of balloons and worldwide NYE celebration on the big screen. There is also a Gala Winemaker Dinner in the hotel Thu, Dec 31. Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.998.3960.
Firehouse Grill and Brewery
Firehouse Grill and Brewery is pulling out all the stops for New Year’s 2010. Instead of its usual burger-and-fries fare, Firehouse presents a three-course meal option. After the dinner, the champagne will start flowing. Guests can stick around for a party to welcome the new year in the Loft, their upstairs room. Celebrate 2010 with a DJ, a live band and favors. The bar, of course, will also be open through the night. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. Firehouse Grill and Brewery, 111 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, 408.773.9500.
Goosetown
A karaoke New Year’s party with favors. Thu, Dec 31. No cover. The Goosetown Lounge, 1072 Lincoln Ave, Willow Glen, 408.292.4835.
Grand Dell Saloon
The party includes food and dessert buffet, champagne toast, party favors and live music with Vegas Night. Ask about complimentary limo service. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. $40 limited admission. Grand Dell Saloon, 1040 Dell Ave, Campbell, 408.378.3970.
Holiday Inn Express Morgan Hill
Packages for the party come with entertainment, a mean buffet, complimentary beer and wine, a champagne toast, party favors and music by the Fast Lane Band. Thu, Dec 31. Call for prices. Holiday Inn San Jose, 1740 N. First St, San Jose.
Hotel De Anza Hedley Club
The Hedley Club welcomes classic rock cover band Black Pearl to the stage for New Year’s Eve. Come for a night of dancing, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Overnight packages are available from $249. Book a hotel package and get two tickets to the party, valet parking, complimentary champagne and breakfast for two on Jan. 1. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm. Hotel De Anza, 233 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose, 408.286.1000, 286.0500.
Hotel Valencia
Choose from party entrance and a stay in the hotel, or enjoy a five-course dinner of steakhouse fare and entrance to both parties in the Valencia Ballroom and Vbar. Both packages include complimentary champagne, party favors and a late-night dessert bar. Overnight guests are invited to a breakfast buffet the following morning, and are allowed late check-out at 2pm. Thu, Dec 31, 6:30pm. Hotel Valencia, 355 Santana Row, San Jose, 408.423.5405.
Improv New Year’s
Jo Koy returns to the South Bay, and the Improv is offering a dinner package for Koy’s show, at 5:30 and 7pm. The 10pm show will not include dinner, but guests will be treated to complimentary fruit and vegetable plates and champagne. The 10pm show will also be broadcast live. Thu, Dec 31. $50/$75. Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.280.7475.
India Community Center Gala
With comedy by Samson Koletkar, karaoke, the Mona Sampath Dance Company students, DJ Andy Atta and Dhol by Paul, plus dinner, champagne toast and party favors. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm-1am. $99. India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, www.indiacc.org.
Khartoum
With DJ Davey K, drink specials, party favors and champagne toast. Thu, Dec 31. Khartoum, 300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell, 408.379.6340.
Loft Bar and Grill
Loft Bar and Bistro celebrates New Year’s Eve with a DJ, live jazz starting at 7pm. There will also be party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and no cover. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. Loft Bar and Bistro, 90 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.291.0677.
Los Gatos Brewing Company
A big night in Los Gatos features a balloon drop and more. Thu, Dec 31. No cover. Los Gatos Brewing Company, 130G N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, 408.395.9929.
Mantra
With a special four-course prix fixe menu, champagne toasts and dancing with DJs. Thu, Dec 31. $39/$59. Mantra, 632 Emerson St, Palo Alto, 650.322.3500.
Marqs in Menlo
With Kelly Park and the Band of Bohemians and five-course dinner. Thu, Dec 31. $125. Marqs in Menlo, 1143 Crane St, Menlo Park, 650.853.1143.
Melt Ultra Lounge
“The sexiest party in Palo Alto” is promised. Customized party favors, bottle and drink specials, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and midnight champagne. DJs will play on multiple dance floors. Teddy Rockspin and Dan Wallace lead the pack. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. Melt Ultra Lounge, 544 Emerson St, Palo Alto, 650.325.6358.
Moe’s Alley
With blues supergroup the Boneshakers. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831.479.1854.
Mojo Lounge
With sax player Terry Hanck and food and champagne. Thu, Dec 31, 9:30pm. Mojo Lounge, 3714 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, 510.739.1028.
Motif
New Year’s is on “Ice.” With drink specials, a free champagne toast and bottle service. Three bottle-service package deals (Platinum, Gold and Silver) are available. Thu, Dec 31, 8:30pm. Motif, 389 S. First St, San Jose, 408.279.1888.
Murphy’s Law
With a live band, party goodies and a champagne toast. Thu, Dec 31. Murphy’s Law, 135 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, 408.736.3822.
New Year’s Eve Organ Concert
James Welch plays jazzy classical tunes. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm. $10. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, 650.326.3800.
Number One Broadway
Music with the Blind Pilots plus balloon drop, party favors and more. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm-2am. $15. Number One Broadway, 102B S. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos.
O’Flaherty’s
A double header salutes Ireland at 4pm and toasts again at midnight with champagne and party favors. Thu, Dec 31. No cover. O’Flaherty’s, 25 N. San Pedro St, San Jose, 408.947.8007.
Palo Alto Masonic Temple
With the ballroom sounds of Paul Price’s Society Orchestra. Wear a tux or other fancy evening wear. Thu, Dec 31, 8:30pm. $25. Masonic Temple, 461 Florence Ave, Palo Alto, 650.858.2568.
Pearl
The club transforms into New York City with party favors, champagne toast and more. The next best thing (maybe better) than being in Times Square. Thu, Dec 31. Pearl, 8 S. First St, San Jose, 408.279.4444.
A Perfect Finish
The Board of Directors play the old year away, plus free appetizers 6-9pm. Thu, Dec 31. A Perfect Finish, 55 S. First St, San Jose, 408.288.6000.
Poor House Bistro
Enjoy two drink tickets and a full menu of New Orleans specialties including barbecued shrimp and crawfish etoufée. Live music with Isis & the Cold Truth and Lara Price. Reservations are required. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. $40. Poor House Bistro, 91 S. Autumn St, San Jose, 408.292.5837.
Quarter Note
Starring Archie Lee Hooker Jr. and the Dave Sobel Blues Band, not to mention champagne toast and party favors. Thu, Dec 31, 8pm. $15/$20. Quarter Note, 1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale, 408.732.2110.
Rock Bottom Brewery
The brewery has partnered with the Pruneyard Plaza Inn on $199 package deals for dinner/dessert for two. Rock Bottom Brewery, Thu, Dec 31. Rock Bottom Brewery, 1875 Bascom Ave, Campbell, 408.559.4300.
Rocky Horror Show at TOSPS
A live stage version of the cult classic presented by Actors Theatre Center. For New Year’s Eve, the performance includes an Italian buffet dinner, hats and noisemakers and champagne toast. Thu, Dec 31, 7:30pm dinner, 9:30pm show, $45/$70. (Regular shows Fri-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6:30pm thru Jan 9.) Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St, San Jose, www.theatrecenter.biz.
NYE Comedy at Rooster
With Mark Pitta, Andrew Norelli and Jeremy Beth Michaels. (Club also presents Big Fat Year-End Kiss Off show with Will Durst and more on Dec. 29.) Thu, Dec 31, 7:30 and 10:30pm. $35/$50. Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408.736.0921.
Ruby Skye
A Sensation to ring in the new year, with food, music by Feather and Colette with DJ Bali. Thu, Dec 31. Ruby Skye, 420 Mason St, San Francisco, 415.693.0777.
The Saddle Rack
“It’s 12 O’Clock Somewhere.” The party features line-dancing lessons, party favors and a balloon drop when it’s finally midnight in Fremont. Thu, Dec 31. $25 in advance. The Saddle Rack, 42011 Boscell Rd, Fremont, www.thesaddlerack.com.
South First Billiards
With DJ Frank Prez. Thu, Dec 31. South First Billiards Club and Lounge, 420 S. First St, San Jose, 408.294.7800.
Stephens Green
With a New Year’s Eve costume party. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm-2am. Stephen’s Green, 223 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.964.9151.
Streetlight Records
The Emy Reynolds Band. Thu, Dec 31, 4pm. Streetlight Records, 980 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, 408.292.1404.
Strike Cupertino
With an open bar from 9pm to 1am, a gourmet buffet starring prime rib and a champagne toast, Reservations are required at $75 per person. Thu, Dec 31. Strike Cupertino, Cupertino Square, 10123 N. Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, 408.252.BOWL.
300 San Jose
Packages run $30 and up, with unlimited bowling, pizza buffet and party favors, 4-7pm. From 9pm, packages start at $50 and include bowling, two drink tickets and champagne toast. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. Strike, 5420 Thornwood Dr, San Jose, 408.578.8500.
Tarragon
Come down and celebrate the evening with dinner, live music, some party favors and even a champagne toast. Thu, Dec 31, first seating 5 and 5:15pm ($40), second seating 7 and 7:15pm ($60), third seating 9 and 9:15pm ($70). Tarragon, 140 S. Murphy St, Sunnyvale, 408. 737.8003.
Temple Bar and Lounge
A classic New Year’s blowout. Chill with DJ Ready Rock’s video mixes, a live music performance, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. The Temple Bar & Lounge, 52 S. First St, San Jose, 408.288.8518.
Tessora’s Barra di Vino
Frankie Ramos and Company play jazz, while the bar serves riesling and bubblies, plus cheese and chocolate fondue. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. Tessora’s, 1875 S. Bascom Ave, Campbell, 408.626.7711.
Toon’s
Party favors, balloons, champagne and more for the Thousand Ten party. Thu, Dec 31. Toon’s, 52 E. Santa Clara St at Second, San Jose, 408.292.7464.
VooDoo NYE
With DJs D!strak, Grubber, Gyres, B Boy Drift and others. Thu, Dec 31, 10pm. VooDoo Lounge, 14 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.286.VODO.
Wet Nightclub
With Ray J. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm-2am. Wet Nightclub, 396 S. First St, San Jose, 408.282.8938.
Wine Affairs
Dinner and live music by Kristina Sablan. Thu, Dec 31, 9pm. $55. Wine Affairs, 1435 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.977.0111.
Zen Lounge
With DJs Menace and D-Roc and an open bar from 7 to 9pm. There will be a bartending show, go-go dancers, champagne, and party favors. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm. Zen Lounge, 251 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.969.4847.
Eat the Year Away
CHEFS like to party as much as you do (maybe more) and that’s why they’re fond of pulling out all the stops when they create festive New Year’s Eve dinners. Here then is a select list of where to eat and drink like it’s 2009 in Silicon Valley.
Manresa
320 Village Lane; Los Gatos; 408.354.4330.
Chef David Kinch will prepare a six-course dinner. Premium wine pairings selected by sommelier Jeff Bareilles will be available. The first seating is at 5:30pm, with a final seating at 9:30pm. The dinner is $195 per person, exclusive of wine, tax and gratuity.
Sent Sovi
14583 Big Basin Way; Saratoga; 408.867.3110.
Saratoga’s Sent Sovi will offer a seven-course meal for $100. The dinner includes three preparations of oysters: “old school,” naked with caviar and yuzu ceviche; Dungeness crab bisque; warm salad of black-eyed peas, nduja, greens and a fried quail egg; champagne-makrud lime granita; beef tenderloin with black truffle “au jus” and celery root purée; and “chocolate1-2-3 v.2.0.”
Marché
898 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 650.324.9092.
Marché is offering a seven-course meal and a four-course meal. Both are built around dishes that include caviar, king crab, California lamb and a chocolate tart with chestnut ice cream. The seven-course meal is $135. The four-course meal is $85.
Bella Mia
58 S. First St., San Jose; 408.280.1993
A champagne prix fixe menu for $45 features a choice of filet mignon and lobster tail or crab-stuffed salmon.
Dio Deka
210 E. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.7700.
The Greek restaurant offers a four-course meal with a choice of entrees, including their branzino, a Greek sea bass dish. The first seating is $95 per person starting at 5:30pm. The second seating is $125 per person and includes a DJ and champagne.
Birk’s
3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara; 408.980.6400.
For New Year’s Eve, Birk’s tempts with a classic menu of American dishes and special three-course dinner.
Mariani’s Inn
2500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara; 408.243.1431.
The gala dinner is $65 per person with a choice of beef Wellington, baked salmon and chicken rollatini. There are also deluxe party packages starting at $125 per person. Dinner at 8pm, with entertainment at 9pm.
The Plumed Horse
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.4711.
The Plumed Horse will serve dinners at 6, 8 and 10pm. The five-course tasting menu offers caviar, Snake River Farms kobe beef and a few “surprises.” $155 per person.
Kaygetsu
325 Sharon Park Dr., Menlo Park; 650.234.1084.
Kaygetsu, one of Silicon Valley’s premier Japanese restaurants, is offering a seven-course meal for $125 person that includes two slow-cooked dishes, sashimi and grilled washu beef. Reservations are available are at 6, 7:45 or 8:30pm.
Grapevine
1389 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.7574.
Grapevine’s New Year’s Eve pajama party will include a “PJ fashion show” with awards, as well as plenty of wine, beer and food. The event is limited to 40 people and reservations are required. The $100 fee in includes food, wine, beer, tax, gratuity and party favors.
Le Papillon
410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.296.3730.
Le Papillon offers New Year’s Eve dinner for $95 per person. Choose from seven different appetizers, five soups or salads, eight main courses and eight desserts.
Donato Enoteca
1041 Middlefield Road; Redwood City; 650.701.1000.
Redwood City’s Donato Enoteca is offering a “cena di capodanno” for of $59 person. The four-course New Year’s Eve dinner is available all night and includes fresh Dungeness crab and wild prawns rolled crepe, homemade tagliolini pasta with Maine lobster, chives and fresh tomatoes, roasted veal rib-eye, prosciutto, cabbage and potato “tortino.”
Emile’s
545 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.289.1960.
San Jose’s Emile’s weighs in with two prix fixe dinners. The three-course meal is $60 with a 5pm seating and the four-course meal is served at 7 and 9pm for $80.
Santana Row
Sino hosts a “Winter WonderLand White Party” sponsored by Ciroc Vodka. Choose from six special bottle service packages that range from $150 to $375 and include Ciroc, Moët Imperial Champagne and Veuve Cliquot as well as your own private table for you and your guests. 408.247.8880.
Left Bank Brasserie offers a four-course prix fixe menu that includes lobster bisque, porcini ravioli with foie gras and black truffle sauce, and pan-roasted venison, plus complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. $53.75 per person. Dinner is served 4-10:30pm. 408.984.3500.
Straits Restaurant is offering several bottle service packages with Belvedere Vodka and Moët & Chandon Champagnes that include a reserved table for up to four guests at 9:30pm. Packages range from $200 to $400; other packages range from $25 to $130 (table not included). Reservations required. 408.246.6320.
Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub and Restaurant hosts a New Year’s Eve Party 9pm-2am. The $20 cover charge includes champagne toast at midnight. 408.247.1706.
